Derrick Shelby is starting his seventh year as a professional football player in the NFL and his third season as a defensive end with the Atlanta Falcons. After suffering a season-ending Achilles tendon injury early in his first year with the franchise, he was disappointed to miss the opportunity to play in Super Bowl LI (Super Bowl 51). However, Shelby may get his opportunity to appear in his first Super Bowl game this season.
USA Today recently predicted that the Atlanta Falcons would win Super Bowl LIII (Super Bowl 53). The 2018 season finds the Atlanta Falcons in prime position for another playoff appearance and play in the Super Bowl for the second time in three years.
Making it to the playoffs, and ultimately to the Super Bowl, will be in large part because of the Falcons’ impressive defensive line up this season that includes defensive end Derrick Shelby. Quoting Nate Davis who is known for his annual NFL predictions, “The difference with this club is a lightning quick defense that’s in full bloom – the primary reason the Falcons came closest to derailing the Eagles in last season’s playoffs.”
If Derrick Shelby and his teammates are successful, the Falcons franchise will be the only NFL team in the history to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in their own stadium.